Iraqi police train in human rights and law

By Maj. Eric Verzola4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division A graduate of the Iraqi Police Sustainment Training program receives his diploma and shakes hands with Brig. Gen. Faris at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, March 24, 2007. U.S. Army courtesy photo. FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — The Iraqi Police Sustainment Training program on Forward Operating Base Kalsu graduated its second class March 24 as part of Babil and Karbala provinces' journey towards provincial Iraqi control. The Karbala police sent 35 officers and the Babil police sent 15. After 10 days of training in the art and science of police work, the graduates felt excited and honored to serve the people of Iraqi."This was a good group of policemen who were willing to learn and were very excited about getting out there and doing their job," said Lonnie Webb, a native of Homerville, Ga., and member of the Homerville Police Department who assisted with the training."Like all law enforcement officers, training is the keystone to professionalism and training these Iraqi police officers during this program was effective," said Webb.The effectiveness of the Iraqi police is important in a province's journey to provincial Iraqi control, and the officers want their country to be secure."These men understand that doing their duties may call for the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives for the safety and security of the province, and more importantly, the people of their respective provinces," said Col. Michael Garrett, commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division and native of Cleveland, Ohio."The unique part of the training in this program is that when possible, two different provinces train together; they see that although they are from different provinces, they are brothers-in-arms with their fellow Iraqi security forces of this country." "Another unique and important part of their training here was the addition of practical law, rule of law, and human rights as part of the training," said Garrett. "This is very important; it is the link between an arrest and conviction of criminals in these two provinces and everywhere that the rule of law prevails." "These graduates are true sons of Iraq and their respective provinces and the people of Iraq should be proud of their accomplishments during this program," added Garrett. In attendance at the graduation was the deputy police chief of Babil province, Brig. Gen. Faris, who provided remarks to the graduates."I thank Col. Garrett for this course which will help prepare our police to do their jobs more effectively," said Faris. "I am proud of them, their sacrifice and their willingness to serve their province and nation."